2017 Overview

Whenever and wherever there is a Jew in need, we are there.

With our network of partner agencies, JUF/
Federation provides human services that give help and
hope to those with nowhere else to turn.

In 2017, we served over 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths at
every stage of life, giving people in crisis tools to turn
their lives around, coming together as a community to
strengthen and lift up people in need.

Providing Human Services

Giving help and hope to the most vulnerable in Chicago, Demonstrating collective responsibility in Israel and overseas

JUF gives help and hope to the most vulnerable through a network of local agencies and programs, transforming the lives of over 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and millions of Jews in Israel and in 70 countries around the world. Services are provided for those who are impoverished or in crisis, seeking employment, people with disabilities, at-risk children, seniors and others with special needs.

890 teens furthered their connection and engagement in Chicago's Jewish community through leadership programming hosted or supported by JUF.

112 teens participated in alternative spring breaks offering meaningful ways to connect with other Jewish teens and get involved in Chicago's Jewish communtiy.

27,500 Russian-speaking children, teens and adults built stronger Jewish and Zionist identities by taking part in Jewish day schools, Sunday schools, Hebrew schools and summer camps.

Strengthening Community Connections

Devoted to Jewish community-building, Standing in solidarity with Israel

JUF encourages wide-ranging participation in Jewish life and community, reaching out to Jews of all ages from across the spectrum of observance. JUF advocates for Israel in the public square, in the halls of power, in the media and on college campuses, and promotes diversity and inclusion in Israeli society.

Highlights:

3,805 college students participated in Jewish life on Illinois campuses.

1,293 teens gained knowledge and skills to better articulate support for Israel through JUF-supported programs in local high schools and Jewish summer camp.

58 participants from area high schools engaged in Write-On for Israel, an intensive, two-year Israel advocacy training program for upperclassmen.

On 16 major campuses statewide, JUF’s Israel Education Center partners with other religious, ethnic and cultural groups to present pro-Israel programs for hundreds of students and faculty.

Four major Illinois universities now have flourishing Israel Studies programs, established in partnership with JUF/Federation to share Israel's contributions to technology, science and culture.

8,735 students, parents and community members attended JUF-sponsored Israel advocacy events and programs on college campuses with Hillels.

5,830 Jews of all ages volunteered through JUF's TOV Volunteer Network and other JUF programs, including Good Deeds Day, providing hands-on assistance from serving meals to people in need to tutoring at-risk children. All told, 14,036 volunteered throughout our JUF network of agencies.

440 community members served on the JUF Board of Directors and/or participated in the board’s 30 standing committees.

7,333 young Jewish adults attended 600 JUF and agency events focused on engaging the next generation.

87,393 visitors came to Oy!Chicago, the outreach blog for unaffiliated local twenty- and thirty-somethings.

798,000 Israeli young adults and youth were engaged in programs of Israel’s Reform (Progressive), Conservative (Masorti) and Modern Orthodox religious movements, along with inter- and non-denominational initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in Israeli society.

2,500 Chicagoans strengthened their connection to the State of Israel through meaningful experiences in JUF's Partnership Together region of Kiryat Gat-Lachish-Shafir.

The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago is the one organization that impacts every aspect of local and global Jewish life, providing human services for Jews and others in need, creating Jewish experiences and strengthening Jewish community connections.